R.I.P, Columbia. The space shuttle disintegrated during reentry this morning, as part of its descent to land in Florida. No word on the cause. Some historical perspective, after the Challenger accident in 1986, it came to light that there had been an Air Force study done that concluded there was a 1 in 35 chance of the booster rocket failing. That study was disputed by others, but it was interesting to note at the time that Challenger was the 25th flight to date. While this Columbia accident didn't have anything to do with a booster rocket, this was the 107th space shuttle flight.

January has not been a good month for the space program. The Challenger accident happened January 28, 1986. The Apollo 1 accident that killed three astronauts happened January 27, 1967. And while this Columbia accident happened February 1, they are all remarkably close.

I was reading a bit with John this morning. I usually let him pick what he wants to read. He brought over his Moptop book, and as soon as I started reading he started making his roaring sound. I was pretty sure it had something to do with the book, cuz he'll do that, he always remembers things so well and will say things before you get to them. So sure enough, I got to the page where Moptop was down on all fours, and with his moppy hair he pretended to be a roaring lion.

Just before I put him down for his nap, we were in the living room. I was just laying on the floor. I had his music on like we usually do, and all of a sudden he came over and said help, help, and pulled me to my feet. And he said 'mikkis' (music) and then something, I couldn't quite figure out what it is, till I realized he was saying waltz. Then he said dance. He likes to be held, and we hold one hand out, and dance around the room. The music that started playing was a classical piece, and so he wanted to dance the waltz!